Manna Institute
Formerly - The Regional Australia Mental Health Research and Training Institute (RAMHeaRT)
Building place-based research capacity to improve mental health in regional, rural, and remote Australia through the Regional Universities Network (RUN)
This 3-year project funded by the Australian government’s Regional Research Collaboration (RRC) Program, is a collaboration between universities in the Regional Universities Network (RUN), led by the University of New England.
RUN universities include Charles Sturt University, Southern Cross University, University of Central Queensland, University of Southern Queensland, University of the Sunshine Coast and Federation University. Foundation industry partners include Lifeline Direct, Everymind and Australian National University Centre for Mental Health Research.
The Institute’s focus is building the capacity of regional mental health researchers and develop collaborative research that addresses the complex issues affecting mental health in regional Australia. The Institute is governed by representatives from participating universities, industry partners, First Nations, and people with lived experience to guide collaborative priority setting.
Manna Institute themes
- Leadership and development
We aim to establish, implement and refine the virtual training institute to enhance leadership and research capacity in regional mental health research.
- Research strategy
We aim to conduct research that focuses on existing and emerging workforce development across regional Australia; individual health and wellbeing; priority populations; and the impact of changing environmental conditions on mental health.
- Data usage
We aim to develop a regional Community, Industry and Research Data Asset and Toolkit for communities, researchers, and industry organisations; and to assess impact using a Framework to Assess the Impact of Translational Research.
- Community
A clear and robust communications and stakeholder engagement strategy will enable us to uplift and share this important work and the impact it’s having within Australia’s rural and remote communities.
RUN Network Chief Investigators
- UNE - Professor Myfanwy - Maple
Email: mmaple2@une.edu.au - CQU - Professor Chris Doran
Email: c.doran@cqu.edu.au - CSU - Professor Russell Roberts
Email: rroberts@csu.edu.au - Federation – A/Professor Dixie Statham
Email: d.statham@federation.edu.au - SCU - A/Professor Christian Swann
Email: Christian.Swann@scu.edu.au - UniSC - Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
Email: dvcresearch@usc.edu.au - USQ - Professor Sonja March
Email: Sonja.March@usq.edu.au
Contact
Manna Institute Project Office mannainstitute@une.edu.au
The Manna Institute is supported by the Australian Government Department of Education through the Regional Research Collaboration Program.
